LEARN HOW TO SAVE WATER

Water restrictions have already started in our area–some cities are asking residents to water only once a week (you can check your town’s web site to be sure). There’s an easy way to save even more water, though; it’s called xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is the use of native (read: drought tolerant) plants and trees, along with moisture-preserving landscaping (think more rocks, sand, mulch, etc. and less green blankets of Bermuda grass). It can look spectacular, and it will save you time and money.

Still at a loss? You’re in luck. The City of Dallas Water Utilities is hosting the 11th Annual Xeriscape Tour of Homes. Full details after the jump.
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IKEA SALE II

Plumb forgot to tell y’all: I went to Ikea for the first time Friday night — yes, that is how we old people get our kicks on a Friday night! — and was on sensory overload in a very positive way! I spent a little more than $300 and found my son a huge wooden bookshelf, a tall bureau, two night stands, a chair and ottoman, all sorts of kitchen stuff from plastic bowls to a 32 piece cutlery set. Even better, he can pop these into his truck and take them to school en carton. I am quite excited about the kitchen cabinets I saw, and a decorator confessed to me that everyone — even her — buys Ikea kitchen cabinets for offices, etc. because they are just so darn cheap!

EURO TRASH

Okay that’s mean. But by the time I opened the 40th press release after the long weekend, I was grouchy. Headline: “Now You Can Build a Log Cabin in Less than a Day.” And when I actually saw European Log Cabins, the needle on the crap-o-meter started quivering. Check it out. Has the world gone crazy, or am I just grouchy?

SEALANDER SHOW

June 2 and 3 - Don’t miss this exhibit of photography and mixed media by John Sealander at Trio Gallery, 2404 McKinney Ave., featuring images of east Dallas and the lake–you, of course, know which lake, because White Rock Lake is the jewel of Dallas, the largest inner city lake in the country. If you don’t enjoy the lake, or at least visit occasionally, shame on you. It’s an immediate, out-of-the-city, pastoral experience.

HOW COOL IS STEVE JOBS?

I know this has nothing to do with Dallas or home/garden stuff. But it has everything to do with design and great taste. Check out the latest NYC Apple Computer store on Fifth Avenue. Simply amazing. Apple and CEO Steve Jobs not only make technology chic — they also make shopping oh so hip. (And convenient — the new store is open 24/7.) View the photo gallery here and the video here. (You’ll need QuickTime to watch the video.)

OUT OF HERE!

I’ve just learned that a herd of these cute fellows chased my husband and son near a camp in South Africa, where they are on safari. They said you could hear the earth rumble. Good work, buffalos, you are better than a personal trainer! Thankfully, no injuries to any in the party, Buffalo included!

After reading your blog, Rebecca, I was wondering if we could set a few of these guys loose on Meadow Road! (Remind me to tell you my running horse story…)
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PRESERVATION DALLAS’ MOST ENDANGERED LIST ANNOUNCED

Yesterday afternoon I took a detour down Meadow Road from Greenville Avenue to Preston Road. It had been about a year since I’d taken Meadow — for many decades since I was a child, I’ve admired the charming, storybook homes there. Over the years, of course, some have been torn down and replaced. But yesterday I was horrified to see that most are already gone and brick monstrosities are hulking in their place. A whole neighborhood’s charm, gone, in a matter of months. What were they thinking, and why did we let them?

This morning, Dwayne Jones at Preservation Dallas announced its annual Most Endangered List, including the entire neighborhood of Deep Ellum, the old stone bridges on Turtle Creek, an old church, and Wynnewood shopping center in Oak Cliff. There are no laws that prevent people from tearing down the things that give Dallas character — it’s entirely up to us. Contact Dwayne Jones now and find out what you can do to help: djones@preservationdallas.org.

Click on the link to read the entire endangered list.
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FREE YOUR FLOWERS

Beau Black, salesman extraordinaire at David Sutherland gives these tasteful tips: “The absolute no–hanging plates on the wall! Plates are to be eaten off of–not hung on the wall.” And, “Flowers should be loose and free–no arangements and not in bondage, all tied up with twine. Free your flowers!

GOSSIP

Word on the street: Richard Drummond Davis has been hired to work on the Strait Lane home of Kenny and Lisa Troutt. Nancy Ross is their interior designer….

IKEA SALE

At the other end of the spectrum, IKEA’s sale starst May 26, which is tomorrow. I’m off to check out some bargains for my son’s new digs in Austin. My daughter’s friends tell me IKEA makes for great first-apartment finds. Also a Memorial Day sale this weekend at Horchow, where I usually pick up great linens. So…while my husband’s in Africa playing hunter and photographer, I’m back in Dallas…gathering!

WAREHOUSE SALE AT SCOTT+COONER

This Cassina sofa is just one of the treasures you’ll find at Scott+Cooner’s warehouse sale this weekend at 1308 Dragon St. They are moving their warehouse, so I’m sure there will be some great bargains on the really good stuff. I know of decorators who have furnished whole houses from this, and other, warehouse sales. You’ll see one in our next issue!

WIN A SUB-ZERO KITCHEN

Sub-Zero’s Dream Kitchen 2006 sweepstakes runs through mid-July. If you win this state-of-the-art kitchen, you’ll receive a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine storage unit; a Wolf cooktop and double oven; an Asko dishwaher; a Kohler sink, faucets, and other accessories; and a $5,000 gift certificate that goes toward installation.

The cheerful, good looking family pictured at left is not included.

TOMORROW NIGHT–GET STONED

Thought that headline would grab you, I am talking about limestone and marble. Galleria Pierra is popping the champagne tomorrow to celebrate Stone Legends founder Richard Carey–”an innovator in the design community”–who was featured as a design master in the June issue of Architectural Digest. (Full disclosure: I am not sure if the article is an editorial or an ad.) In addition to oooing and ahhing over the vast collection of everything stone–I have never seen so many statutes and columns in one place–Stone Legends is launching its Artistry and Education series to teach us neophytes about stone making. I mean, I like thought you quarried it and then chipped away…I guess not! Some of the top artisans strutting their stuff are:
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MORE MCKINNEY MUSINGS

Last weekend I was lucky enough to happen upon an art fair on McKinney’s downtown historic square. It was fun stuff. Not particularly inspired — Bluebonnets = yawn — but fun. However, I was impressed with local photographer Ryan Leach. He has a great eye, a good sense of lighting, and he’s only 17 years old. Very impressive. At 17, I was mastering the fine art of Ms. Pac-Man. (Ouch. That dates me.) Anyway, check out Leach’s work here. I think he has a future.

TOYS FOR BOYS WITH TASTE

Okay. Forget outdoor kitchens. It looks like everything is coming outside: kitchens, furniture, lighting, and rugs, all weather resistant and good looking. Design Within Reach has noticed the trend. Their outdoor living merchandise might be minimal in form but it’s inventory is bigger than ever. My latest love? This all-weather foosball table in stainless steel. Designed by Rafael Rodriguez, the game table is so sleek it’s a work of art, belonging more in the MoMA than a rec room. Granted it’s also a whopping $3,998. But love ain’t cheap, friend. Check out the table here.

PRESTON HOLLOW GOSSIP

Rumor I heard tonight: Tiffany Mullin has filed for divorce from Mike. I sure hope not, because how could she part with that wonderful closet complete with fireplace, bar, runway, and enough storage for a couture army?

DOES THE WORLD NEED ANOTHER GIFT SHOP?

Of course it does. (What a silly question.) Especially when it’s as fresh and fun as Flip. This new Bishop Arts shop features an assortment of candles, art, and home furnishings (just like any good gift shop should), all exuding urbane, chic appeal. We can thank owner Kevin Brailsford and his keen eye for that. The merchandise and art will “flip” seasonally. (Get it?) Currently, the Oak Cliff store features mixed-media artist David Simcik and art by Brailsford himself. Flip for Flip at 332 W. Davis St. 214-948-FLIP.

GIFTS FROM A TO Z

Gregory Westmoreland at Apples to Zinnias can do anything with flowers, and he has some pretty great ideas about giving. These orchid bottle stoppers make perfect teacher or hostess gifts–one thing to take off your end-of-the-year “to do” list.

THE ANTI-SCRAPBOOK LADY

My daughter–the aspiring barister–told me she will not be whole because I failed to “scrapbook” for her. (I’m sort of misquoting her, but I don’t think you can sue your mother for slander–can you?) (And she hates it when I blog about her–ha ha!) I don’t “scrapbook.” Technically, as a D editor has pointed out, “scrapbook” is not even a verb. I work and write and read and think and take care of pets and, when they are nice, my family. (Those are all verbs.) But a lot of moms DO “scrapbook” and I know many who even hire it out. It has become a passion, a highly successful national business. Do the Chinese “scrapbook”? My mother didn’t “scrapbook.” My grandmother certainly didn’t scrapbook as she struggled to survive six children and moonshine during the Depression. Do any of you “scrapbook”? Maybe I should try it–I might like it and when Roger asks me where my column is I’ll say, “Oh I don’t know, I’m ’scrapbooking’!”

MY WEEKEND IN MCKINNEY

In our July/August issue of D Home, we’ll be writing about the historic charm and fantastic shopping to be found in downtown McKinney. It’s so much more than just tea rooms and antique shops. The downtown square is full of hip merchants and interesting art. One of my new faves, alas, is closing shop. Owner Misty Wiebold’s French Dressing (cute name, yes?) is having a big sale: 50 percent off everything. You’ll find mod mid-century furnishings, tragically hip lamps, and great buys galore. Wiebold is an interior designer and is closing her storefront to focus all of her time on her projects. That, and her cool new office at a nearby historic cotton gin. (Very Soho loft-like.) Check out her wares at 213 N. Kentucky (972-547-4416).

SHOWERS AT SUTHERLAND

Jan Showers hosted a seated luncheon at David Sutherland’s last week to show pieces of her latest collection. This Daphne chair is adapted from the original Showers bought in Paris–acid green silk piping shows off the lines of the chair that floats on acrylic legs. Very glam, and comfortable. Top designers Richard Trimble and Cheryl Van Duyne chatted with John Bobbitt, Jane Manning, and Bob Wagnon. Very civilized, especially when you think about competition among designers.

RARE, EARLY HERMAN MILLER DESK RESTORED

A friend from college, Sally-Page Stuck, bought the local ’50s and ’60s legend,Century Modern, with her husband several years ago. She’s been telling me about this extraordinary desk, which they found and have been restoring. After much anticipation, a photo and description arrived this morning. The desk was designed by Gilbert Rohde, design director for Herman Miller, who is credited with introducing the Modernism movement in this country during the 1930s. It has original pulls, metal tag View image, leatherette, and measures 55″l x29″h x 32″d. $2,600. Additional View:View image Back View:View image

NEW NEIGHBORS AT D HOME

Read this report from Texas A&M’s Real Estate Center Online News –D and D Home are getting some new neighbors:

NO WEEKEND WARRIORS IN THE BUBBLE?

A loyal reader sent me the following fun response to my “Condition, Condition, Condition” blog:
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D BANK

We were talking today about the changes on Lovers Lane –where Rutherfords has moved closer to Inwood Road, leaving its former charmingly quirky space empty. The Silver Vault is also gone, moved down the street. So Rebecca tells me that a bank is moving into the spaces vacated by Rutherfords and The Silver Vault. Just what we all need, another bank!

What is particularly irritating is that there could be 16 banks all within spitting distance of one another, and they would still rape us with overcharges and fees!
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